Everything You Need to Know When Buying a 14 Karat Gold Necklace

Fun fact: Almost all the gold on earth came from meteorites that struck the planet hundreds of millions of years ago.

What else don’t you know about this rare but popular element? It’s worth educating yourself before you splurge on a 14 karat gold necklace, ring, or bracelet for your special someone.

Keep reading for some fast facts about 14 karat gold that will help you make a wise purchase.

What Is 14 Karat Gold?

You might be surprised to learn that the gold that goes into jewelry is rarely 100% pure. Because gold is fairly malleable, or soft, jewelry makers blend it with sturdier metals to make it durable enough for everyday wear.

14 karat gold refers to a specific blend of 58.3% gold with 41.7% other metals, such as silver, nickel, zinc, or copper. This alloy of metals strengthens the jewelry and makes it resistant to scratching, bending, and warping.

Yellow gold is the truest and most traditional of the gold colors. White gold (blended with silver, palladium, or nickel) also has a rhodium coating to give it a beautiful silver appearance. Rose gold has a slightly pink appearance that’s ideal for vintage-style pieces.

How Can I Identify 14 Karat Gold?

The best 14K gold chains will have an easy-to-identify hallmark indicating their 14 karat status. This may be stamped directly onto the jewelry itself, but it’s also commonly listed on the item’s tag, description, or box.

If there’s no mark available or you have doubts about the item’s authenticity, you can use a gold testing kit or take the item to a jeweler for them to inspect.

What Else Should I Know About Gold?

14 karat gold is more affordable than 18 karat or 24 karat pieces, so does that mean it’s a subpar purchase?

Not at all! It’s the most durable type of gold alloy, so your jewelry will hold up much better over time than an item with a higher concentration of gold. Like other jewelry, you’ll want to clean and polish it every year or so to keep it looking new.

What else can you do to extend the longevity of your gold jewelry? Avoid wearing it while you work out, play sports, or do any other high-impact activities. This is the easiest way to avoid unwanted scratches or dings in the metal.

It’s also worth considering your daily routines of washing dishes, applying lotions, or bathing/showering. Residue from soap and detergent will build up over time, making the gold appear dull. Take off your gold chain necklace and put it somewhere safe while you freshen up.

Bonus tip: Gold and chlorine are never a good mix! Be sure to remove your jewelry before you jump into that swimming pool.

A 14 Karat Gold Necklace: The Perfect Gift

Whether you choose a gold chain, a gold ring, or a gold watch, you can’t go wrong with a 14 karat purchase. Use the information above to ensure the gift you choose is of the highest quality!

After you’ve found the perfect 14 karat gold necklace, what’s next? Keep browsing our site for other helpful lifestyle and shopping advice.